Workshop drives draft motorsport strategy forward

Peak bodies, local government authorities and the State Government have met to discuss the draft of the WA Motorsport Strategy.

The strategy’s aim is to identify the infrastructure needs of track-based motorsport activities around the State, develop a hierarchy of motorsport facilities, and provide a plan that supports future investment and opportunities to increase participation in track-based motorsport infrastructure.

The strategy will also examine a legislative approach to the licensing and sanctioning of track-based motorsport venues, which have been implemented in other States.

The State Government has facilitated the workshop to give the stakeholders the opportunity to work collaboratively to further the interests of motorsport in Western Australia by developing plans to increase participation for the community, improving operations and safety.

Among other areas, the draft strategy considers Wanneroo (Barbagallo) Raceway, Collie Motorplex, Kwinana Motorplex, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, a proposed facility in Albany and a potential new private facility in Keysbrook.

The draft also proposes an industry representative body be established which covers all types of tarmac-based motorsports activities. Its key responsibilities could include creating motorsport pathways to increase participation in the sport and consider licensing, sanctioning and accreditation requirements.

An independent consultant has produced the draft strategy and has engaged extensively with a range of industry bodies including national and State associations, track operators and relevant local government authorities.

The State Government anticipates it will be able to respond to the recommendations with a clear course of action by the end of 2018.